Drama, Live Music, Film, Poetry & Spoken Word, Comedy, Family & Children's Shows, Workshops, Term-time Courses.
Music
Blues, Jazz, Folk, Acoustic, Alternative.
Movies
Television
We don't have much time for the telly, but we do like Doctor Who.
Books
Who are we?
Angela Varley - Business Manager (on maternity leave)
Lucy Godfrey - Temporary Business Manager
Jason Caswell - Operations Manager
Elton Townend Jones - Tempoarary Marketing Manager
Martin Tucker - Technical Manager
Managed by St Albans City & District Council
Heroes
Those that we couldn't do without. Usually techies and soundmen.
The very lovely:
Dave, Dave, Miles & Dom.
About me: We are a professional studio theatre at the heart of St Albans!
Our programme offers the very best in touring theatre, live music, film screenings, comedy, poetry, lunchtime concerts, workshops and children's theatre - at prices you can afford.
We also have a cafe & bar that sells great coffee, tea and other refreshments.
You'll find us on the second floor of the Maltings shopping centre, between TK
Maxx and the
library.
For regular updates, join our e-mail list by contacting: maltings.arts@stalbans.gov.uk
What's On!
Theatre & Comedy
Wed 18 March — 8.00pm
RBM presents Health And Stacey Plested & Brown
Geography teacher Stacey quits
Britain to escape its fanatical
adherence to Health and Safety rules.
Despite her training, she loses herself in
a hot and sweaty jungle. Ditching her
Dorothy Perkins trousers, she builds a
new life, able to survive anything –
except the arrival of a County Council
Health and Safety officer. Their epic
jungle adventure is an accident waiting
to happen.
Not suitable for under 12s.1 hr – no interval. tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Thu 19 March — 8.00pm
Valerie Leon's Carry On! Valerie Leon
Hammer Horror star, twice Bond girl
and six times Carry On girl, this ever
glamorous icon of the 1970s and ‘80s
gives an illustrated talk about her life
and career during the golden age of
British film and television. Recalling
roles in shows like The Saint and Up
Pompeii, this charming star – perhaps
best remembered as the Hai Karate
girl – promises an exciting and intimate
evening that shouldn’t be missed.
75 mins – no interval. tickets £10 / £8 conc.
Wed 1 April — 8.00pm
Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers European Arts Company
Ingeniously adapted from the comic
novel by Charles Dickens, this
entertaining production presents the
perambulations, perils, travels and
adventures of the corresponding
members of The Pickwick Club, with a
familiar cast from stage and screen.
Not suitable for under 11s.2 hrs 10 mins, with interval. tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Wed 15 April — 8.00pm
Spoonface Steinberg by Lee Hall Beggars And Kings
This intimate and uplifting monologue,
told by an autistic child, is a spellbinding
journey of discovery, with illness,
death, joy, hope and the meaning of
life tackled from a unique and
extraordinary perspective. Directed by
Michael Fentiman, with an outstanding
central performance from Zoe Thorne
(The Gelth / Toclafane in BBC One’s
Doctor Who).
Aimed at adults and over 13s, but accompanied 9s and up welcome.1 hr 10 mins – no interval. tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Thu 23 April — 8.00pm
The Devil's Doctor Shifting Sands
Journey from the Arctic wastes to the
steamy Nile; cheat death, work miracles;
quarrel with priests and kings, and
become legend! Meet the inspiration
for Goethe’s Faust and the hero of
Victor Frankenstein: alchemist,
charlatan, heretic, explorer, genius,
and mercurial Renaissance man,
Paracelsus. But was he in league with
the Devil?
Not suitable for under 10s.Approx 90 mins. tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Fri 24 April — 8.00pm
Siobhán Nicholas and Chris Barnes' Dolce Via Take The Space
On a winding road, two vaudevillains set out
to seek the elephant beyond the footlights,
meeting actors, fire-eaters, ventriloquists,
musicians and magicians in the most turbulent
show of their lives. A burlesque fantasy,
inspired by the works of Fellini and Chaplin,
from the company that brought us Sam & I
and Hanging Hooke.
Some naked flame. Not suitable for under 12s.Approx 90 mins. tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Fri 12 June — 8.00pm
The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre
Darlings of YouTube and the comedy double act that
must be seen to be believed! The stars of BBC Three's
Comedy Shuffle and MTV's Best Show Ever
present an evening of songs, sketches, socks
and violence. Includes: an entire Shakespeare play
(slightly abridged) and special guests Kraftwerk.
May contain mild sweary words. Not suitable for under 12s. tickets £10 / £8 conc.
Fri 19 June — 8.00pm
Mark Jenkins' Playing Burton Theatre Tours International / Joshua Richards Productions
He was the 12th child of a drunken Welsh miner, the first megastar and
the most nominated actor never to win an Oscar. Infamously married to
Elizabeth Taylor – the word ‘paparazzi’ was coined
for him – he seemingly squandered his talent and his millions,
drinking himself to an early death. But the real Richie Jenkins was
known only to a few...
Directed by his nephew – and one who did know – Guy Masterson.
Not suitable for under 12s.80 mins, plus interval. tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Wed 24 June — 8.00pm
James Seabright and LMP present The World's Wife Linda Marlowe
Edinburgh 2009 preview of a new play, adapted from Carol Ann
Duffy's poems, imagining the perspective of the wives of
famous men through the ages: from Mrs Midas and Mrs Faust to
Frau Freud and Queen Kong. Dark, humorous, witty and acerbic,
this passionate exposé will enthral lovers of –
and newcomers to – Duffy's brilliant and controversial
verse.
National Curriculum, Key Stage 4 English. Not suitable
for under 14s.1 hour (no interval). tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Thu 25 and Fri 26 June — 8.00pm
William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing Ovo
In this exciting update of the classic Shakespeare play, it's
1945 and the boys are coming home from the war. As the girls
shed their overalls for evening frocks, the boys turn their
minds to the arts of peace, and what better way than to fall
in love!
National Curriculum, Key Stage 3 English. Suitable for all ages.2 hours, plus interval. tickets £12 / £10 conc. Professional Community Event. Membership Exempt.
Thu 2 July — 8.00pm
Tim Whitnall's Morecambe Theatre Tours International / Feather Productions
A rare Edinburgh 2009 preview of a new play celebrating the extraordinary
life of Eric Morecambe and commemorating the 25th anniversary of his
untimely final curtain. Laugh, cry and celebrate Britain's best-loved
comic, who had that twinkle in his eye and shared it with us all.
Starring the multi-talented Bob Golding, who was born to play Eric, and
directed by Arts Theatre favourite Guy Masterson. A must for
fans of British comedy.
Not suitable for under 10s.Approx 85 mins (no interval). tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Sat 4 July — 2.30pm
Open Competition 2009 Adjudication and Poetry Reading with Ver Poets and John Whitworth
The St Albans-based poetry society presents a lively afternoon with
poet John Whitworth, who will give his report on the annual Open
Poetry Competition, read selected and winning poems by local young
poets, award prizes and conclude with readings from his own work.
Not suitable for young children.2 hours 30 mins (with interval). FREE ENTRY Community Event.
Thu 9 July — 8.00pm
Baking Happy Jude Simpson
Hilarious and charming stand-up poet and walking feelgood factor
Jude Simpson returns to the Arts Theatre with her
unique blend of observational comedy, witty wordplay, poetry,
rap and song.
Not suitable for under 13s.Approx 80 mins, plus interval. tickets £8 / £6 conc.
Thu 17 and Fri 18 September — 7.30pm
William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing Shooting Stars Theatre Company
Sparkling comedy, direct from the 2009 RSC Fringe Festival. Dashing
Claudio falls for beautiful Hero and a marriage is hastily arranged,
whilst Don Pedro, who has just won a victory against rebel forces,
tricks Benedick into marrying his old sparring partner Beatrice.
Abridged family show from the company that brought us Romeo
and Juliet and The Memory of Water.
Suitable for all ages. National Curriculum, Key Stage 3 English.90 minutes. tickets £10
Thu 24 September — 8.00pm
Bully The 2008 Edinburgh Fringe hit! Richard Fry
Malice passes along this male bloodline with clockwork exactitude.
Spanning his life from tragic childhood to tainted adulthood, a
timid younger brother wittily charts the afflictions of a well
meaning soul who tries to break the cycle by becoming a sufferer,
rather than the bully. Sincere, eloquent and timeless, this is
a thrilling experience and a sturdy Greek tragedy of vocal
dexterity.
Not suitable for under 14s. Some mild swearing.65 minutes (no interval). tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Cabaret
Sat 31 January — 8.00pm Sat 28 February — 8.00pm
Sat 28 March — 8.00pm
Sat 25 April — 8.00pm
Laughter Lounge
with Barnstormers Comedy
The Arts Theatre’s Saturday night
stand-up for over 16s. Barnstormers
Comedy brings a different monthly
line-up of 3 – 4 comedians from
Jongleurs, the Comedy Store and the
London circuit. Be prepared for strong
language and laughter lines. Hosted
by Kevin Precious, previous acts include:
Lee Nelson, Nick Doody and Helmut.
Check local press or Box Office for
line-up nearer the time. Not suitable
for under 16s. Fully licensed bar. ID essential.Approx 2 hrs 30 mins, with intervals tickets £12 / £10 conc.
Wed 28 January — 8.00pm with JUDE SIMPSON Wed 25 February — 8.00pm with CHRIS HICKS
Wed 25 March — 8.00pm with SELINA GODDEN
Wed 22 April — 8.00pm with MARTIN NEWELL
Oral Cabaret
with Poetry Link
The new Wednesday night spoken
word cabaret for over 16s. In association
with Poetry Link, the Arts Theatre
brings a changing monthly line-up of
performers from across the country.
Be prepared for language of all kinds,
some laughs and the occasional
surprise. Hosted by Hemel Hempstead’s
own poet laureate Mat Lloyd.
Possibility of strong language.
Not suitable for under 16s.
Fully licensed bar. tickets £5 / £4 conc.
Music
Fri 20 March — 8.00pm
the kirsty mcgee hobopop collective
Traditional jazz / roots and a 1920s
sense of cabaret style. Banjos,
guitars, double bass and drums
accompany the delicate, stubborn
songs of the Kansas Sessions album
to create a vaudebilly music for the
new depression era. With guest Kreg
Viesselman, whose passionate voice
recalls the likes of Joe Cocker and
Kelly Joe Phelps.
Fully licensed bar.
No unaccompanied under 16s.Approx 2 hrs plus interval. tickets £10 / £8 conc.
Sat 21 March — 8.00pm
Poet In New York Plus bio-documentary on the
life and work of Leonard Cohen Keith James and Rick Foot
That unprecedented magnet of
migration, New York, inspires this
concert of unique and evocative
music; exposing the fascination,
vulnerability and fear of the poet
when confronted with the capital of
the world. Material by Leonard
Cohen, Suzanne Vega, Federico Garcia
Lorca, Vladimir Nabokov, Sylvia Plath,
Pablo Neruda and Bob Dylan.
Fully licensed bar.
No unaccompanied under 16s.2 hrs 10 mins, with interval. tickets £12
Sat 4 April — 8.30pm
Errol Linton's Blues Vibe Shades of Blues
Blending Memphis with Jamaica to
create an organic blues-reggae groove
dubbed ‘Brixton blues’, the most down
home blues band around carries the
legacy of Little Walter, Junior Wells
and Sonny Boy Williamson into the
twenty-first century.
Fully licensed bar.
No unaccompanied under 16s.Approx 2 hrs 30 mins plus interval. tickets £12.50 Professional Community Event. Membership Exempt.
Children's
Sat 21 March — 11.30am / 3.00pm
The Tempest
an ideal introduction to Shakespeare
Lanternfish Theatre Company
On a mysterious island, a sorcerer
conjures shipwrecks, spirits and
monsters through the power of magic,
whilst a young girl discovers the world
around her. With audience participation,
original music, and dynamic physical
action.
For the over 5s. Babes in arms
welcome, but please consider the
comfort of other patrons.1 hour. tickets £5
Kid's Shakespeare Ticket £8 (3pm show and Puck's Bottom)
Professional Community Event.
Sat 28 March — 3.00pm
Puck's Bottom Wild Wood Theatre
Based on Shakespeare's A Midsummer
Night’s Dream this enchanting tale takes
a perilous journey through Fairyland.
The Fairy King and Queen are at war,
and the world is turning upside-down.
Will Puck come to the rescue? Told with
hand carved puppets and original music.
For the over 5s. Babes in arms
welcome, but please consider the
comfort of other patrons.Approx 1 hour. tickets £5
Kid's Shakespeare Ticket £8 (and The Tempest 3pm)
Sat 4 April — 3.00pm
Rapunzel And The Tower Of Doom Theatre of Widdershins
Bad hair day? Tangles? Split Ends?
Frizzy? Flyaway? Pity poor Rapunzel,
living in a tower with a strange and
scary old witch who uses her captive’s
lengthy locks as a step ladder!
What’s that going to do to your hair?
This traditional tale is taken right
back to its roots and beautifully
re-styled as an enchanting show with
plenty of body and loads of highlights
– because you’re worth it!
For over 4s.50 minutes. tickets £5
Sat 18 April — 3.00pm
The Very Ugly Duckling Jactito Puppet Theatre
A visually stunning and musical show.
Tadpoles emerge and change into frogs!
Geese fly, ducks tap dance, majestic
swans pass by and ducklings hatch in
the idyllic countryside! But when an
ugly duckling bursts from an egg, it
puts a blot on the landscape! Can the
Eggologist make things beautiful
again?
For over 4s. Babes in arms
and younger children welcome, but
please consider the comfort of other
patrons.1 hour. tickets £5
Sat 25 April — 3.00pm
The Selfish Giant Sea Legs Puppet Theatre
Having built a wall to keep the
children out of his garden, the Selfish
Giant only gets visits from Lady Snow
and her friends. But one morning he
hears the most beautiful music
coming from his bedroom window and
is delighted with the sight that greets
him. Set in a magnificent sculpted
garden, Oscar Wilde’s classic story is
told using beautifully crafted puppets
and a brilliant musical soundtrack.
For over 4s.1 hour. tickets £5
Lunchtime
Wednesdays at 1.00pm – all tickets £3.50
The Maltings Café and Bar will be open for refreshments.
Concerts last approximately 1 hour (no interval).
Wed 18 March — 1pm
Guitar: El Moreno
El Moreno presents a concert of
romantic and exciting Spanish guitar
music including many favourite pieces
by the great masters of the past, such
as Granada and Leyenda by Albeniz,
themes from La Traviata by Verdi, The
Arabe Caprice by Tarrega, spiced with
music in a flamenco style.
Wed 25 March — 1pm
Guitar: Mark Ashford
This internationally renowned and
award winning performer studied with
David Russell in Vigo, Spain and has
performed at many of the UK’s most
prestigious venues. Having just
released a CD of Rodrigo’s Concierto
de Aranjuez with the Royal Philharmonic,
he makes his Arts Theatre debut with
a concert of works by Villa-Lobos,
Piazzolla and arrangements of some
popular French songs.
Book at the Box Office
In person: We are on level 2 of the Maltings shopping centre in St
Albans, next to the
library.
• Monday—Thursday: Open 10.30am–5.30pm
• Saturday: Open 10.00am–5.00pm
• Friday: CLOSED
Why not pop in for a coffee and check out what's going on.
Who I'd like to meet: Everyone! So join our e-list, or take up one of our annual Memberships (ask Box Office for details - but if you're between 18 - 26, a Membership means paying only £5 to see one of our professional shows).
New songs are up and they sound fantastic, come a drop by for a listen and let us know what you think. Also just to let you all know that our LP (Recovery) will be on sale via our myspace or picked up free from any of our upcoming gig's from 13th June.
Just stoppin bye to sh0w your page some l0ve! I hope all is well. Thanks so much for all the support! You rock!!
Well write back whenever i'd love to hear from ya!